Pets Are Patients Too: A Review of Veterinary Compounding

Among all healthcare providers, pharmacists are the only ones able to care for human and animal patients, and pharmacists are becoming increasingly involved in animal care within the United States. Their roles include providing compounded medications to meet the unique and individual needs of veterinary patients. Depending on the pharmacy setting, pharmacists may have opportunities to compound medications for a number of different animal species, including companion pets, pocket pets, work animals, zoo and exotic animals. Providing veterinary compounding services is an important responsibility for pharmacists and pharmacy technicians to be well-trained in pharmaceutical compounding and knowledgeable of key pharmacokinetic, physiologic, and formulation considerations when compounding for various animal species. This knowledge includes information about the benefits and risks associated with veterinary compounding, pertinent rules and regulations, common veterinary dosage forms, and considerations when preparing veterinary compounds.